Day Three at the DNC

8/26
Today should have started out with another Speakers Program, but I was asked to accompany a friend to the delegate breakfast for a second day so that she could pick up her credential from her parents, who are both delegates at the Convention. Okay, so credentials here at the JSA program are like gold. There are supposedly a number of delegates who have a few guest credentials, which they are allowed to give away, and these credentials act as tickets to actually get into the Convention at the Pepsi Center. Credentials have been in extremely short supply, and most of the New Jersey delegates seem to be unaware of them.

When my friend's mother was giving her the credential, I was planning on gently dropping hints to some other delegates with the one other girl who came on the trip to the delegate breakfast. Nothing was really panning out, and the three of us and our "pod" leader were about to head back toward the Speakers Program to meet the rest of the JSA, when Mrs. Pallone, my friend's mother, reached us with two golden credentials. Whoa. She can expect a serious thank you note from me. Tonight was definitely the night to be in the arena; Hilary Clinton was speaking tonight. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as we rejoined the JSA for more speakers.

I think the most engaging speaker we heard in the program today was The Honorable Andrea Stewart-Cousins. She spoke to us as though we were her friends, somehow displaying as much or more authority, and demanding as much or more respect, than any other delegate. She took a serious interest in every question, warning us that she wasn't going to lie, and that if she didn't know an answer, she'd tell us what any good politician would: I'll get back to you.

After the Speakers Program, the JSA moved to downtown Denver to watch a procession of the DNC Youth Council. I picked up a bunch of Obama pins and tried to quell my excitement for the Convention. I didn't have to wait for long; all of a sudden I was being thrust into security guards and metal detectors and The Pepsi Center was in sight.

The vibe in the arena was unbelievable; like a big sporting event where everyone dressed in business casual. After moving through the hallways full of on-site news stations, radio stations, independent reporters, and anxious people, I made my way to my seat. Sitting there, I realized I have never heard so many inspirational speeches in a row, and that I have never seen so many people unite themselves for one common goal.

Finally, it was Hilary's turn. Just the short video of her past sparked an impossible applause from the crowd, and the appearance of countless Hilary signs arising in the crowd. Then, she walked out onto the stage. The applause grew into a standing ovation and lasted for at least five minutes; the excitement in the arena shot through the roof, and it maintained that level throughout the entire speech.

Every sentence for the first five minutes of Clinton's speech vitalized another yell, applause, and eventual standing ovation. I honestly think it was well deserved, though I never realized the level of her outstanding support. Clinton's support for Obama and her request that her supporters shift support to Obama was honorable, exactly what the Convention wanted to hear, and the cheers following left smiles on everyone's face. And even now, I can smile thinking about today, good night. =)